The possibility of adding an ambulance might ease pressures on the local EMS system, but ultimately won't fix it, says Chatham-Kent's chief of fire and emergency services.
Councillors received a staff report during Monday's meeting, following up on a motion to update the issue as well as clarify the role of the municipality and its contractor, Medavie.
Chief Bob Crawford travelled to Dartmouth, N.S., in December with chief administrative officer Don Shropshire to meet with Medavie president and chief operating officer Paula Poirier and Jeffrey Fraser, director of operations and corporate lead for paramedicine.
“Medavie does an outstanding job delivering professional medical services,” Crawford told council, adding there are still challenges to overcome.
Last year, some councillors suggested that another ambulance is needed to help lessen the burden on the system, particularly in outlying communities.
However, Crawford said it would ease the problem without eliminating it.
He also noted the cost would be approximately $1 million to add an ambulance, once the necessary staff are factored in.
Municipal staff are currently preparing a more in-depth report to council, with a deadline for the end of January.
East Kent Coun. David VanDamme said he was surprised about the Dartmouth trip and asked why the matter couldn't have been discussed locally.
Shropshire called it important to meet with Medavie at its headquarters to show how serious Chatham-Kent is about the issue, as well as get some answers in time for the upcoming municipal budget.
“They were very pleased that we made the effort,” he said. “It demonstrated to them that this municipality took the relationship seriously. … The relationship works in both directions.”
Council renewed its EMS contract last year with Medavie through the end of 2021.
According to Monday's report, Medavie has provided a draft terms of reference for review and comment. A meeting is set for this month to review the draft and come to an agreement.
VanDamme said he looks forward to hearing more about the issue, noting it was an “open-ended” report.
“It was a little bit brief on details, but there was the assurance that more would be coming,” he said.